Rhodes 'Seeking A New Home'

February 17, 2009 at 11:51 AM (PT)

Is RANDI RHODES out at NOVA M RADIO? RHODES, absent for a week-and-a-half from the syndicator's airwaves, still appears on the NOVA M website, but evening NOVA M host MIKE MALLOY said on MONDAY's show that RHODES has left the company and a message briefly posted on RHODES' website MONDAY read:

"To all:

"NOVA M RADIO has not yet corrected the problem that has kept me off the air despite my strong desire and readiness to broadcast my show. Respecting the employer-employee relationship that has existed between NOVA M and me, and expecting the solution to be quickly achieved, details of the triggering event were withheld in good faith. But I can tell you this much: Any statement implicating me as being in any way responsible for the disruption in THE RANDI RHODES SHOW is patently false.

"This entire situation is solely within the control of NOVA M.

"In light of most recent developments, my show will be seeking a new home. I would ask for your continued patience and indulgence in respecting my rights during this time. Your unwavering support is cherished. Thank you.

"RANDI RHODES"

The site subsequently went down but returned with the same message on TUESDAY. NANCY SKINNER continues to host in RHODES' place on NOVA M.

Nova M Kaput?

And RADIO EQUALIZER is reporting that NOVA M has folded, with RHODES' attorney telling the blog's BRIAN MALONEY that payroll deposits were reversed and employees were not paid for the last two weeks. GAULIN said that the syndicator, which he said has been advised to file for CHapter 11 bankruptcy, had breached RHODES' contract and that NOVA M founder SHELDON DROBNY is hospitalized in CHICAGO; a new company to replace NOVA M and offer MALLOY and SKINNER's shows is reportedly in the process of being organized.